According to a league source, the Cavaliers are attempting to help facilitate the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony trade to the New Jersey Nets.

They would absorb Nets forward/center Troy Murphy's $11.9 million contract into their traded player exception. They would also get a first-round pick out of the deal.

The first-rounder is either Golden State's selection in 2012, which is protected, or the Los Angeles Lakers' pick in 2011. The Lakers' pick is likely going to be at the bottom of the first round and not desirable. The Nets also own Houston's 2012 pick, but that is protected as well.

Advertisement

That's why the Cavs want either the Nets or Nuggets to sweeten the pot.

The league's 30 general managers are in Los Angeles for the All-Star break. There will be a lot of trade rumors flying around, but Anthony's proposed deal is the granddaddy of them all.

The Bergen (N.J.) Record reported there is an agreement in place to trade Anthony to the Nets. It's contingent on him agreeing to sign a three-year, $65 million extension.

The paper reported the Nets would receive Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Blackman from the Nuggets. In turn, the Nets would send Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, Ben Uzoh, Murphy and four first-round picks to Denver.

Sources told ESPN.com on Thursday not all of those picks would wind up in Denver's hands. At least one of the first-rounders and Murphy would be earmarked to a third team. The Cavs, Minnesota and Sacramento are vying to be that third team.

The Nuggets want nothing to do with Murphy's contract in order to stay under the luxury tax threshold.

Knicks owner James Dolan spoke to Anthony on Thursday, according to a story in the New York Daily News. The Knicks might still be in the running, even though they are reluctant to trade forward Danilo Gallinari.

If this doesn't work out for the Cavs, they are talking to other teams about other deals.